State spending - Set some realistic targets

You can tell it's budget time in Jefferson City. Just look at all the jockeying for funding.

For example, the Missouri Department of Transportation has been thumping a consistent drumbeat that it needs an extra $1 billion a year (see editorial below). The chances that this will happen anytime soon are slim and none. But constant use of the $1 billion figure dulls the senses of taxpayers to the point that another -- but smaller -- increase in highway funding sounds like a bargain.

This week the Missouri State Highway Patrol weighed in by saying 350 additional troopers are needed to enforce speed limits and highway safety. Currently, the Highway Patrol has 698 troopers assigned to road duty.

The Highway Patrol's argument that more enforcement would save lives is compelling. When patrol cars are out on highways, motorists are more cautious.

But the plain fact is that the Highway Patrol isn't going to get funding for 350 additional troopers any more than MoDOT is going to get an extra $1 billion a year. State revenue isn't growing as fast as spending plans. Keep in mind, of course, that state revenue is growing, just not as fast as the rate of what state government would spend if it could.

It is understandable why the Highway Patrol would say it needs 350 more troopers. That's what it would take under ideal circumstances to do the best job possible. But the plain fact is Missouri's 698 troopers -- that number hasn't changed in years -- have essentially the same number of miles of state highways to patrol as they've had for years. If there is a need for 350 more troopers, that need didn't develop overnight.

If the legislature could be persuaded to add 350 troopers, it would face a monumental price tag. Salaries alone would be over $11 million a year. In addition, funding would have to be appropriated for training, equipment and patrol cars for a total cost (including salaries) of $106,800 for each new trooper -- or $37.4 million. And it would take several years to train 350 new troopers -- plus all the additional troopers that would be needed as replacements for attrition.

One pool of trained troopers already exists. These are the approximately 100 troopers assigned to the state's gaming commission to provide security at Missouri's riverboat casinos. The salaries of these troopers are funded by state receipts from the gambling boats. If these troopers were assigned to patrol duties, the Highway Patrol would still have to come up with the money.

The case for highway safety is a good one, but the reality of budget constraints in Missouri is a sure sign that there won't be 350 additional troopers. The Highway Patrol, like MoDOT, could make a far more convincing case if it set a realistic target for adding troopers.